A New Chapter for Classic Machines
While Hollywood has long held a fascination with restoring and modifying vintage vehicles, actor and producer Jason Momoa is pushing the boundaries of the craft. Known for his passion for motorcycles and off-grid living, Momoa has spent recent years curating a unique collection of electrified vintage machinery. These projects blend historical preservation with advanced engineering, resulting in vehicles that serve as both functional transport and environmental statements.
For these complex conversions, Momoa has collaborated with Electrogenic, an engineering firm based in Oxford. Following their high-profile electrification of a 1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II, the partnership has taken on even more ambitious tasks, ranging from post-war Land Rovers to century-old Harley-Davidsons.
Preserving Character Through Silence
A centerpiece of this collection is a 1949 Land Rover Series I. Rather than discarding the vehicle's classic mechanical soul for modern components, the team focused on integration. The original four-wheel-drive systems and manual levers remain fully operational, allowing the vehicle to navigate rough terrain just as it did decades ago—only now, it does so in total silence.
"It's a whole different experience," says Momoa. "Me and my daughter going through the forest quietly — it's beautiful."
The innovation continues with a 1961 Land Rover Dormobile camper. One of only about 150 ever manufactured, this rare overlander has been transformed into a zero-emissions expedition vehicle. It now features modern induction cooking, hidden battery packs, and fast-charging capabilities, creating a unique camper tailored for extended, sustainable off-grid travel.
The Hybrid Motorcycle Experiment
Perhaps the most unconventional aspect of the project involves three vintage Harley-Davidsons from the 1920s. Electrogenic has engineered a hybrid system for these bikes that leaves the original internal combustion engines intact. By adding electric motors to the rear wheels, the motorcycles can run on gas, electricity, or a combination of both.
This hybrid approach provides a solution to the inherent difficulties of vintage motorcycling. As Steve Drummond, CEO of Electrogenic, explains, the goal was to make century-old technology communicate seamlessly with modern systems. The electric motor simplifies the riding experience by eliminating the notoriously difficult kick-start process and adding reliable modern braking.
"If I want to hear the sound, I can," Momoa explains. "And if not, I can just flip it over to electric."
Bridging History and Sustainability
The philosophy behind these builds extends to a custom expedition trailer, which packs 93kWh of battery storage. This unit can power appliances and refrigeration, or even recharge other electric vehicles during wilderness excursions. According to Momoa, this focus on technology is driven by a desire to enjoy the outdoors while minimizing his environmental impact.
As the automotive world grapples with shifting consumer tastes and stricter emissions regulations, the classic car industry is seeing a rise in electrification. While most conversions are simple powertrain swaps, Momoa’s projects stand out for their intent to preserve mechanical identity. His work suggests a future where enthusiasts no longer have to choose between preserving history and embracing modern innovation; instead, they can inhabit a space where the two coexist.